The Exeter Airport Draft Master Plan consultation period has closed following twelve weeks of interaction with the community, customers, stakeholders, employees and local residents. Exeter’s production of a Master Plan meets with the Government’s request for all UK airports to produce a strategy setting out how future development and expansion will be achieved.
Following the launch of the Draft Master Plan on 1 July 2008, Exeter Airport has actively sought the opinions of those in the region in order to prepare the final document which will set out plans for expected growth of the airport through to 2030. During the three month consultation period the airport has publicised the opportunities to comment on the plans with the assistance of the local media and with a series of talks and seminars in the area. Local parish meetings have been attended by representatives of the airport and presentations have been given to business groups and Local Government in the region.
An exhibition panel has been based in the airport’s check-in hall for the consultation period and an identical promotional panel has been positioned at a variety of venues in the Exeter and East Devon areas in order to prompt reaction. The touring exhibition has been hosted by the Riverside Leisure Centre and the Civic Centre in Exeter, it has also been placed in Broadclyst and Honiton libraries, at the Institute Ottery St Mary, the East Devon District Council offices in Sidmouth and at the Pavilions in Exmouth.
A Draft Master Plan summary document has been available throughout the period and responses to the proposals were encouraged with the use of the free mail return sheet. The airport’s website has also hosted the full document and offered readers the chance to respond via the on-line questionnaire.
The airport’s Deputy Managing Director, Jamie Christon said: “Our aim has been to let as many people as possible have access to the Draft Master Plan and give them the opportunity to respond to its proposals. Over 150 responses have been received during the consultation period and in the next few weeks we will be reflecting on the information gathered, publishing the results and using the information to produce a final plan. I’d like to express my thanks to everyone who has taken the time to submit their thoughts.”
